The Pittsburgh Penguins won two pivotal games over the weekend and their defense deserves a ton of the credit for their success. Just a few hours before the Pittsburgh Penguins were set to take on the Nashville Predators, it was reported that Brock McGinn was placed on waivers. The Penguins put McGinn and defenseman Mark Friedman on waivers, and in the case of McGinn, it looked like a move to free up some cap space. McGinn currently makes $2.75 million against the cap annually, and if he clears waivers it will open up about $1.1 in space. Regardless of if Friedman is claimed or not, his full salary will be taken off of the Penguins salary cap. The Penguins have to potential to add almost $2 million in cap space if someone decides to claim McGinn, much like the St. Louis Blues did with Kasperi Kapanen. Despite the moves and rumors that were flying all around the NHL, the Penguins still had a game to play, and players on waivers are still eligible for NHL action. McGinn was slotted into the third line and played what very well could be his final game in a Penguins uniform. Heading into the contest, McGinn was absent from the scoresheet in 26 consecutive games. With the Penguins down by a goal to the Predators late in the final period, McGinn found a breaking Sidney Crosby who took the pass clean for a game-tying breakaway goal. It was McGinn’s first point since December 22, and quite possibly his last of the season; in 60 games played he scored 10 goals and six assists for 16 points. Mike Sullivan said following the victory that despite the circumstances, McGinn played an outstanding game. “I think it just speaks volumes for the person that Ginner is.” At 2:00 p.m. we will learn if McGinn has cleared waivers or if he will be claimed by another team. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Penguins Stand Tall for Third Straight Victory [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-stand-tall-third-straight-victory] Penguins GM Ron Hextall Righting His Wrongs [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-general-manager-ron-hextall-righting-wrongs] Report: Penguins Showing Great Interest in Brock Boeser [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-showing-great-interest-brock-boeser] Penguins Place Brock McGinn, Mark Friedman on Waivers [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-brock-mcginn-mark-friedman-waivers] Top Trade Targets Remaining for the Penguins [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/podcasts/top-trade-targets-remaining-pittsburgh-penguins] * undefined * undefined
